Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent, Outlines Uranium Removal Plan

Speaking in a phone interview with CBS, Trump ruled out the deployment of American troops on the ground. "No. No troops," he said when asked if such an operation would require a military presence, as reported by CNN.

According to CNN, he added, "We'll go down and get it with them, and then we'll take it. We'll be getting it together because by that time, we'll have an agreement, and there's no need for fighting when there's an agreement. Nice right? That's better."

The US president indicated that the uranium material would ultimately be transported to the United States as part of the deal. "We would have done it the other way if we had to," he said, as per CNN.

On the timeline of the negotiations, Trump said both sides are expected to meet over the weekend and that the US will continue its blockade of Iranian ports "until we get it done", CNN reported.

Trump also claimed that Iran had agreed to stop backing what he described as terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, as reported by CNN.

Throughout the day, the US president expressed confidence that an agreement was imminent, stating that a deal could be reached "in the next day or two" and that peace talks will "likely" take place this weekend, CNN reported.

In a separate interaction with AFP in Las Vegas, Trump, who has been fielding calls from reporters throughout the day and issuing multiple statements and social media posts, told AFP that there are no "sticking points" remaining in efforts to reach a deal with Iran, in remarks that appeared to reference the Lebanon ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported. "We're very close. Looks like it's going to be very good for everybody. And we're very close to having a deal," he said, Al Jazeera reported.

However, Iranian officials have not confirmed the claims made by the US president regarding the progress or scope of the proposed agreement, according to Al Jazeera. Earlier, in a telephonic interview, Trump responded "Yes" when asked if Iran had consented to stop enrichment, adding, "Are you surprised? I'm not surprised by anything." Any such move would mark a major shift from Iran's long-held stance that its nuclear programme is a sovereign right.

According to reports, US and Iranian representatives are expected to meet over the weekend to finalise an agreement. Trump also said the ongoing US naval blockade targeting Iran would remain in "full force" until a deal is reached, even as Iran has allowed commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during a temporary ceasefire period.

The developments come amid global concern over Iran's nuclear stockpile. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that Iran possesses over 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, close to weapons-grade levels, though Tehran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes.

- ANI